A new outpatients' department for the care and treatment of hepatitis C patients in Munster was officially opened at Cork University Hospital yesterday by the Minister for Health and Children, Mr Martin.
The opening of the new facility was welcomed by Transfusion Positive, a support group which represents adults and children infected with hepatitis C through the administration of infected blood or blood products.
Mrs Valerie Murphy of Cork city, who will make use of the new facility, said the outpatients' department gives hepatitis C sufferers the freedom to meet fellow patients and to share their experiences in a private setting.
"Many hep C women would have confidentiality issues and wouldn't want to discuss how they're feeling with a fellow patient while standing on the hospital corridor. The new unit has a private waiting area and we'll be able to talk there."
Mr Martin said the opening of the new building was part of the Government's ongoing programme to improve the quality of health services for people infected with hepatitis C by contaminated blood or blood products supplied within the State.
Together with an allocation of €127,000 that has been made to the Southern Health Board this year to improve facilities for these patients, this will bring the total grant for the project to €415,000.
Mr Martin said the Government was fully committed to the provision of high-quality services to both children and adults with hepatitis C. The Minister also acknowledged the work of the four hep C support groups who attended the event.